The saga of Space Battleship Yamato continues with Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199, the latest installment in the long-running franchise. This new project remakes the 1980 film Be Forever Yamato while incorporating elements from the Space Battleship Yamato III TV series. It unfolds as a series of seven films, offering both a fresh perspective on a classic story and a deeper dive into the Yamato universe.
Rebel 3199: A Story of Rebellion and Hope
Set in 2207 AD, Rebel 3199 takes place two years after the disappearance of Gamilas and Iscandar. A massive, mysterious object called “Grand Reverse” appears in the solar system, easily overcoming Earth’s defenses and invading the capital city. As the Earth Defense Forces struggle, the old Yamato crew receives a top-secret order: “Rally to Yamato!” A mysterious singing voice and a returning figure hint at the challenges to come. With humanity’s fate on the line, the Space Battleship Yamato embarks on a voyage into uncharted territory.
The storyline blends familiar elements with new twists. Earth faces a new enemy, the Dezarium, who claim to be modified humans from the future. However, the Yamato crew remains skeptical, leading them to rebel against both their government and the Dezarium. This sets the stage for a complex narrative where the lines between friend and foe blur.
Production Details
Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199 is produced by Studio Mother, with animation assistance from Satelight. Key staff members include:
- General Director, Series Composition, and Screenplay: Harutoshi Fukui (known for Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, Space Battleship Yamato 2202, and Space Battleship Yamato 2205)
- Director: Naomichi Yamato (From the New World, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans)
- Character Design: Nobuteru Yūki
The series features a mix of returning and new cast members, adding depth to the story. Some of the new cast members include:
- Makoto Furukawa as Alphon
- Shun Horie as Isidore
- Takuya Eguchi as Lambell
- Yūto Uemura as Takeshi Ageha
- Kōsuke Toriumi as Seiya Kitano
- Megumi Han as Sasha
Release Schedule
Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199 is being released as seven films. As of April 2025, the release schedule has been as follows:
- Part 1: Kuro no Shinryaku (Dark Invasion): July 19, 2024
- Part 2: Sekijitsu no Shutsugeki (The Assault of the Burning Sun): November 22, 2024
- Part 3: Gunjō no Asteroid (Ultramarine Asteroid): April 11, 2025
- Part 4: Mizuiro no Sasha (The Aqua Sasha): October 10, 2025
Connecting to the Yamato Universe
Rebel 3199 is more than just a remake; it’s a continuation of the Space Battleship Yamato saga. It directly follows the events of Space Battleship Yamato 2205: The New Voyage, which itself remade the 1979 film The New Voyage. This creates a cohesive narrative within the reboot timeline, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to explore the rich history of the series.
The Reboot Timeline
- Space Battleship Yamato 2199 (2012-2013): A remake of the original 1974-1975 series.
- Odyssey of the Celestial Ark (2014): A film set after 2199.
- Space Battleship Yamato 2202 (2017-2019): A remake of Space Battleship Yamato II and Arrivederci Yamato.
- Space Battleship Yamato 2205 (2021-2022): A remake of The New Voyage.
- Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199 (2024-): A remake of Be Forever Yamato and elements of Space Battleship Yamato III.
The Original Continuity
For those interested in the original series, the timeline includes:
- Space Battleship Yamato (1974-1975)
- Yamato: The Movie (1977): A recap of the original series.
- Space Battleship Yamato II (1978)
- Yamato: The New Voyage (1979)
- Be Forever Yamato (1980)
- Space Battleship Yamato III (1980)
- Final Yamato (1983)
- Yamato Resurrection (2009)
Themes and Influences
Space Battleship Yamato has always been known for its mature themes, complex storylines, and epic space battles. Rebel 3199 continues this tradition, exploring themes of war, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. The series also delves into political intrigue, questioning the motives of those in power and the cost of blind obedience.
The influence of Space Battleship Yamato on subsequent anime series cannot be overstated. It is often cited as a precursor to Mobile Suit Gundam, Macross, and Neon Genesis Evangelion, all of which owe a debt to its groundbreaking storytelling and design.
A Glimpse into Part 3: Ultramarine Asteroid
The third film in the series, Gunjō no Asteroid, premiered on April 11, 2025. While specific plot details are scarce, the title suggests a focus on space battles and strategic maneuvering.
A Look Back at the Previous Installments
Kuro no Shinryaku (Dark Invasion)
The initial film sets the stage for the Rebel 3199 storyline, introducing the “Grand Reverse” and the Dezarium invasion. It establishes the dire situation on Earth and the Yamato crew’s decision to defy orders and take action.
Sekijitsu no Shutsugeki (The Assault of the Burning Sun)
The second film continues the conflict with the Dezarium. The film sees Megumi Han take over the role of Sasha.
Where to Watch
Crunchyroll is streaming Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 3199 in select territories.
Legacy and Future
Space Battleship Yamato remains a cultural touchstone in Japan and a beloved series worldwide. With Rebel 3199, the saga continues to evolve, offering new stories and perspectives while honoring the legacy of the original series.
Hideaki Anno and Studio Khara are also planning a new Space Battleship Yamato film, separate from the 2199, 2202, and 3199 remakes. Production is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2025. This project promises a fresh take on the Yamato universe, further expanding its reach and influence.
